EDUCATION & CAREER

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Education

Ph. D.
Subject : Biotechnology
Institution : National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan
Affiliated University : National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan
Year of Award : 2013

M.Phil. 
Subject : Biotechnology
Institution : Bharathidasan university
Affiliated University : Bharathidasan university
Year of Award : 2007

M. Sc.
Subject : Biotechnology
Institution :
Affiliated University : Bharathiar University
Year of Award : 2004

B. Sc.
Subject:Biotechnology
Institution: Kongunadu Arts and Science College
Affiliated University: Bharathiar University
Year of Award: 2002

Career

At Bharathiar University (Reverse Order)
Assistant Professor : November 2021 to Till Date

Past Experience
Period: August 2019 - October 2022

Designation : Assistant Researcher (Principal Investigator)

Institution: Cardiovascular and Mitochondria Related Diseases Research Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical foundation, Taiwan

 

Period: August 2018 - October 2019

Designation : Assistant Researcher (Principal Investigator)

Institution: Medical Research Center for Exosome and Mitochondria Related Diseases, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

 

Period: February 2013 - July 2018

Designation : Post-doctoral researcher

Institution: China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

 

Period: January 2006-July 2008

Designation : Assistant Professor

Institution: Department of Biotechnology, N.I College of Arts and Science, Nagarcoil, India

 

Period: June 2004 – May 2005

Designation : Assistant Professor

Institution: Department of Biotechnology, N.I College of Arts and Science, Nagarcoil, India

RESEARCH AREAS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

One of the prime focuses of the team is on evidence-based pre-clinical research essential to device strategies to over-come cardiac dysfunction by particularly focusing on the molecular events. The research findings have been presented in various forums as presentations, lectures, panel discussion and publications. Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies has helped to formulate treatment strategies against diabetes and aging associated cardiac abnormalities that would help communities fight against heart diseases. Key research contributions in the past 5 years has furthered exponentially in different arena in order to find effective therapeutic strategies for cardio-protection, which include:

Modulating Chaperones to improve regeneration and Rejuvenation

Accordion content 1.The process of aging modulates the metabolic homeostasis, mitochondrial function and redox balance which affects the proteostasis in the cells thereby reduces the cellular function and cumulatively results in tissue degeneration. The pathological progression is intense as most components of unfolded protein response (UPR) mechanism such as chaperons, proteases and miRNAs are often defunct in aging conditions. Accumulating misfolded non-functional proteins contribute to the pathological process of aging in the cardiac muscles and results in impaired left ventricle function. Therefore, maintaining the cardiac proteostasis is a potential and a novel strategy to overcome aging associated cardiac dysfunction. At present, there is a wide consensus on improving the regenerative ability of stem cells or transplanting highly potential stem cells to improve the quality of aging. Recent studies indicate that umbilical cord stem cells are cytoprotective against several disorders. One critical limitation in using stem cells is reduction in their viability under stressful conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. We have found that metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia and hypertension are generally associated with loss of chaperone homeostasis in Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) and Adipose derived Mesenchymal Stem cells. Our recent findings show that restoring chaperon homeostasis in adult stem cells improved metabolic disorders associated organ damages.

One of our early findings on chaperon engineered stem cells involves transplantation of engineered WJMSCs to diabetes associated organ damages.

 

Notable publications:

1. Bioeng Transl Med. 2021 Jun 11;6(3):e10234.
2. Free Radic Biol Med . 2021 Sep;173:70-80.

Targeting of the MAP3 kinase ZAK to provide protection against hypertension associated cardiac damages

Hypertension is a silent disease that is largely chronic and a reason for major cardiac complications particularly in aging condition. In the initial days of my Post-doctoral study, I was involved in identifying the leucine Zipper Kinase ZAKα as an upstream kinase for initiation of pathological cardiac hypertrophy associated signaling cascade. We have successfully developed the first ever inhibitors for ZAK in a collaboration with Jinan University, China for their expertise in organic chemistry.

Our finding on the mechanism of ZAK mediated Cardiac apoptosis

 

Notable Publications:

1. J. Med. Chem. 2020, 63, 5, 2114–2130
2. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry  2017, 60, 13, 5927-5932

Delineating small bioactive peptides to mimic exercise training to provide cardioprotection

In another successful study, we have found small peptides from soyabeen and potato protein hydrolysate with effective cardio-protection in conditions such as diabetes and aging. From this study we have developed a product and transferred to Dr. One biotechnologies, Taiwan and it is now commercially available with a brand name “APPH 6H plus⁺”.

Diabetes and aging are two major causes of global mortality and various therapeutic possibilities are explored in order to protect heart, brain and other vital organs in these condition. We have understood that regulating the mitochondria associated cellular apoptosis, enhancing the SIRT1 associated longevity mechanism, and AMPK/PGC-1 associated lipid metabolism will provide functional protection to the heart. According to our previous related study, these favorable changes are generally achieved by exercise training, which gives better protection to cardiovascular system. Interestingly oral consumption of the bio-peptides also mimics the effects of exercise in the heart.

Our finding confirms the mechanism behind exercise induced cardio-protection. Peptides from potato proteins function similarly and provide a synergestic effect with exercise training.

However, in aging adults and in people with challenging physiology the required intensity of exercise training may not be possible. In our further research, we have investigated small peptides from lioplysis stimulating protein hydrolysates from soybean and potato. We successfully confirmed the lipolysis-stimulating fraction of alcalase hydrolyzed potato and soy proteins that provide anti-obesity effects and anti-diabetic effects.

A simple Graphical representation of therapeutic effect of a deca-peptide DIKTNKPVIF isolated from potato protein hydrolysate in enhancing β-cells of the pancreatic islets, which contributes to anti-diabetic effects of the peptide.

The fractions displayed efficient anti-obesity properties and effective cardio-protection, hepatic protection against diabetes-associated damages. Further two small peptides from the potato hydrolysates were found to enhance the longevity mechanism and enhance AMPK/SIRT/FOXO3a/PGC1/ associated metabolism. Echocardiography reveals that administration of the two small peptides effectively enhance cardiac function in terms of Ejection fraction and in terms of normal left-ventricular mass. The effects of these peptides are published in various high impact SCI journals and the novel application has been filled for Chinese patent.

Notable Publications:

1. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Apr 26;12(8):7334-7349.
2. Nutrients. 2019 Apr 4;11(4):779
3. Journal of Advanced Research. 2020 Jun 20.
4. Aging (Albany NY). 2018 Dec; 10(12): 4166–4174.

Precisioning the preconditioning methods for better cardio-protection of transplanted stem cells under pathological conditions

Stem cell transplantation therapy has advanced astonishingly such that it is now effectively applied against different degenerating disorders. In our hospital, stem cell-therapy is used to treat neurological disorders and have shown promising results on human. However, further advancements are needed to enhance their potential. One big challenge of using stem cell for cardio-protection other than their retention abilities is the undesirable differentiation and inflammatory effects on heart. The popular preconditioning involved hypoxic pre-exposure. We have found that hypoxia affects the stem cell self-renewal and causes stem cell inflammation. Interestingly we observed that a shorter period of hypoxia enhance the stem cell viability and stemness of the cells which up transplantation did not show any inflammatory effects. The transplanted cells further enhanced the lipid metabolism of heart and provided greater cardiac protection.

Graphical representation on the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation on lipid metabolism and survival of cardio myocytes.

The transplanted stem cells protected from congestive heart disease characterized by systolic and diastolic dysfunction that are commonly observed in conditions like hypertension and aging.  Similarly, preconditioning of stem cells with extract from Alpinia oxyphylla fruits show enhanced homing of stem cells as determined by in vitro studies. In this regard, we have also screened a miRNA miRNA 764-5P using miRNA array to modulate the chaperon protein CHIP and enhance cell survival.

Moreover, we have delineated an interesting exosomal miRNA miR-92a-2-5p to suppress cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive rats by targeting Tak1 protein. We are now involved in investigating the detailed mechanism and methods to enhance the exosomal packaging of these miRNA.

Notable Publications:

1. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2020 Nov 12;532(3):347-354.

PUBLICATIONS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

International Journals

1. Combined effect of traditional Chinese herbal-based formulations Jing Si herbal tea and Jing Si nasal drop inhibits adhesion and transmission of SARS-CoV2 in diabetic SKH-1 mice. Chien-Yi Chiang, Wei-Wen Kuo, Yu-Jung Lin, Chia-Hua Kuo, Cheng-Yen Shih, Pi-Yu Lin, Shinn-Zong Lin, Tsung-Jung Ho, Chih-Yang Huang, Marthandam Asokan Shibu*. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022.

2. Novel anti-aging herbal formulation Jing Si displays pleiotropic effects against aging associated disorders. Marthandam Asokan Shibu, Yu-Jung Lin, Chien-Yi Chiang, Cheng-You Lu, Debakshee Goswami, Navaneethan Sundhar, Surbhi Agarwal, Md Nazmul Islam, Pi-Yu Lin, Shinn-Zong Lin, Tsung-Jung Ho, Wan-Ting Tsai, Wei-Wen Kuo, Chih-Yang Huang. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2022.

3. E3 ligase activity of Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein (CHIP) in Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells improves their persistence under hyperglycemic stress and promotes the prophylactic effects against diabetic cardiac damages. Ayaz Ali, Wei-Wen Kuo, Chia-Hua Kuo, Jeng-Fan Lo, Michael Y. C. Chen, Jayasimha R. Daddam, Tsung-Jung Ho, Vijaya Padma Viswanadha, Marthandam Asokan Shibu*, Chih- Yang Huang*. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. 2021

National Journals

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Conference Papers

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Books / Book Chapters

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Databases

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TEACHING

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Supportive Course

Medical Biotechnology

Course Objectives:

Improve the knowledge on basic medical science Enrich the student skills in handling the advanced instruments for validation of various clinical disorders. Understand the importance of various biomedical instruments in diagnosis

Expected Course Outcomes:

1. Understand broad theoretical knowledge and critical understanding of advanced principles in biotechnology.
2. Gain the practical knowledge required to support a career in biomedical research environment.
3. Have a sound platform for setting up basic clinical laboratory.
4. Develop new ideas for disease diagnosis
5. Expand the knowledge on biomarker for various diseases

Unit I: Introduction to Biotechnology and Medicine

Unit II: Molecular Diagnostics

Unit III: Cell And Gene Mediated Therapy

Unit IV: Assisted Reproductive Techniques

Unit V: Tissue Engineering

Unit VI: Contemporary Issues

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PROJECTS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Ongoing

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Completed

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RESEARCH GUIDANCE

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

PG

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M.Phil.

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Ph.D.

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INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

ALUMINI REFLECTIONS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Awards

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Memberships

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AWARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Awards

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Memberships

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VISITS / COLLABORATIONS / OTHERS

Dr. M. A. Shibu

Assistant Professor - (DBT-Ramalingaswamy Re-Entry Fellow)

Research Area

• Stem cell biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Aging
• Circadian Rhythm

0422-2428295

shibu@buc.edu.in

+91-78128-92313

ACADEMIC IDENTITY SCOPUS   ORCID   Google Scholar   PUBLONS   IRINS  Web of Science  

Visits

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Others

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Collaborators

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